District 3 Councilor Klarissa Pena, along with Mayor Tim Keller and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, gathered with other officials today to break ground on the new Southwest Safety Center in Albuquerque. The groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of an innovative facility that aims to enhance public safety and improve emergency response times in the southwest area of the city.
Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating, "When it comes to first response times, minutes matter, and our first responders will be able to get the calls quicker and have a significant presence in this community."
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also expressed her support for the project, saying, "This safety center is unique in that it brings together law enforcement, firefighters, and Albuquerque Community Safety, allowing for better collaboration and safer neighborhoods."
Councilor Klarissa Pena highlighted the impact of the Southwest Safety Center on the District 3 community, stating, "The SW Public Safety Center will increase safety by decreasing emergency call response times and will enhance public confidence in our first responders."
The Southwest Safety Center will house the City's three branches of public safety - APD, AFR, and ACS - under one roof for the first time. The facility, spanning 21,000 square feet, aims to reduce call response times and create a more visible public safety presence in the growing southwest area of Albuquerque.
AFR Chief Emily Jaramillo noted the importance of the new Fire Station 23 at the center, stating, "Fire Station 23 will be the first new fire station to help address the demands for service to meet response times to our residents on the southwest mesa."
APD Deputy Chief Cecily Barker highlighted the collaborative efforts between the departments, stating, "Having the three departments housed together in one place will surely help the community and departments' partnerships with one another."
ACS Director Maria Ruiz-Angel expressed optimism for the future of the Southwest Safety Center, stating, "The Southwest Safety Center will not only strengthen our collaborative efforts but also symbolize our shared vision for a safer, more connected, and resilient community where everyone can thrive."
The $23.9 million project is funded through general obligation bonds passed by the voters, and other city and state funds, including state capital outlay. Once completed, the Southwest Safety Center will include facilities for AFR, APD, and ACS, aiming to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to public safety in the region.
